Tribulations

Tribulations last for a season. Where temptation exists in isolation, at a point in time they tend to repeat. Tribulations have a beginning, a middle and an end. They tend to happen only once. Tribulations tend to have the affect of amplifying temptations -- most particularly pointing out where we are weak within the context of that difficulty.

"... we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance, character and character hope." Ro. 5:3-4

Tribulation exists simply because life is hard sometimes (a business fails, a loved one is ill to death, a dream dies...) But tribulation also exists because we willfully disregard the Lords plan in life.

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?" Heb 12:7

The Hebrew people were famously warned, failed to repent and ended up in bondage. A debt to the Lord in this way must be paid, but he is always merciful.

In restoration God is always generous, providing 2 to 10 times the worldly goods in reparation for his work destroying the idols that distract us.